Language awareness and cultural competence in social work practice

Social Work

Exercise

The imaginary recording helped me to examine the language that I use commonly, and listen for embedded biases. I noticed that I assumed that the client could hear me and see me, rather than acknowledge the fact that the client could be deaf or visually impaired. It might be helpful to establish immediately whether the client requires assistive technologies when understanding the types of services we provide. I also noticed that I did not readily acknowledge the possibility that the client might not identify with gender binaries. In the future, I could ask a more open-ended question such as, "How do you perceive gender, and how central is gender to your personal identity?" I did not mention religion, but it might be helpful to know if the client values religion and incorporate our stance on religion from the onset of therapy. One of the most glaring mistakes that I make is using language that sounds elitist. Especially since emerging from higher education, I am used to writing and speaking for an academic audience. I need to switch gears when addressing clients, many of whom will not be used to hearing scholarly jargon. This exercise was extremely helpful in showing me how important language is when making clients feel comfortable, and establishing rapport at the onset of our services.

2.2: For this exercise, I began researching the astounding list of ethnic and racial groups in the United States and finally selected Jewish people in America. According to Ismail (n.d.), there are several "do's" and "taboos" that a social worker would need to be aware of and sensitive to when working with members of the Jewish community. One of the most notable "do's" is to respect the diversity within the Jewish community and not assume that all Jews are Orthodox, or even that all Jews believe in God. Many Jews believe that Judaism is more of a culture or ethnicity than a religion and this is something that social workers need to understand (Ismail, n.d.; "Jewish Culture," n.d.). With regard to taboos, it is important to recognize that the more the client identifies with being Orthodox, the more likely the person will be to have taboos, such as the dietary taboos that are inherent in Kosher eating (Ismail, n.d.). Other taboos for Orthodox Jews include gender integration in social settings and the need to recognize that a social worker should only be treating a client of the same gender. This is only something that would be of note for religious people. The majority of Jewish clients in social work would not be Orthodox, and many will be secular ("Jewish Culture," n.d.).

Hello to the World Exercise:

(a) Arabic: as-sal-m 'alaykum, Sam ismee.

(b) Cherokee: Oh-see-YOH, Sam dah-wah-DOH

(c) Chinese: Ni Hao, Wo-duh ming-d'zih Sam.

(d) Hindi: Namaste, Meh-ra nam Sam.

(e) Spanish: Hola, me llamo Sam.

(f) Swahili: Jambo, Jina langu ni Sam.

There are several methods of applying for the Green Card, or lawful permanent residence status in the United States. One of those methods is through family sponsorship. That is, the person might have a relative who can sponsor them to live and work in the United States. Sponsorship usually requires proof of the sponsor's finances and willingness to support the client. Another method of receiving permanent residence status is via job sponsorship. An employer might sponsor the employee, but this is only likely in certain professions. Some clients might qualify for refugee status, if they are from countries in political or economic turmoil.

Exercise 6.3

When I developed the script for speaking with a homeless person, I realized that I had a lot of fears and concerns. Reading the script revealed a lack of confidence in my voice. However, I do feel that I cultivate an attitude of respect and caring that is evident in the words I use and the tone of voice. Many of my questions are designed to elicit basic factual information. Rather than framing any questions as if the client was at all to blame for being homeless, I focus on solutions and possible steps toward achieving financial independence. If I were a homeless person, I would want to be treated with respect too.

Draft Letter 1: Letter to the Editor

A recent bill passed in Arizona that enables business owners to discriminate against gays, lesbians, and transgender individuals. The bill was framed as protecting religious freedom. However, there are two severe problems with this bill. The first problem is that the bill suggests that religion is more important than civil rights, which is unconstitutional. Second, the bill does not protect religious freedom because only a certain narrow group of people wants to be able to discriminate against gays and lesbians. What about the religious practices and beliefs of gays and lesbians? This bill sanctions discrimination in a way reminiscent of Jim Crow and should be abolished forthwith in that state.

Draft Memorandum

To: My Colleagues

Re: Ending the tyranny of Christianity in America

It has recently come to my attention that a bill in Arizona permits discrimination against nearly anyone a business owner does not like -- but especially targeting gays, lesbians, and transgendered individuals. The motivation behind the bill is that Christians should have the right to refuse service to people who are deemed sinners in their own religion. Thus, the nefarious people behind the bill are claiming they are the persecuted ones when in fact it is they doing the persecuting. It is time to end this ridiculous state of affairs and start taking a more aggressive stance against religious fundamentalism in America before it reaches the level of the Taliban.

My proposal is to launch a nationwide campaign educating people about logical fallacies used by the religious right. A comprehensive set of public service announcements aired on prime time television might be a good starting point. I would also like to work with the Department of Education to ensure that schools are not pandering to religious fundamentalists who want to see the Bible be considered any more truthful than Homer's Odyssey. The notion that Christians are being discriminated against is preposterous, given they are the dominant culture. However, liberals are too nice and conciliatory and it is time for action.

Therefore, I urge a series of meetings with the media, the ACLU, and lobbying groups in order to help our cause. We can harness the power of social media too. With the appointment of several team leaders, we can abolish the tyranny of Christianity in America.

Exercise 6.4

(a) After the listening exercise, my partner said that I used reassurance words a lot and that I seemed to be thinking too much about what to say next rather than tuning into the core emotions and ideas. However, my partner also said that I was a good listener in general. I reflected back what the person said, I did not pass judgment, and I asked questions for clarification. My partner also congratulated me on my ability to maintain eye contact, and my not having interrupted.

(b) I would like to refrain from offering advice. I would also like to cease using too many reassurance words and concentrate more on what the person is saying including his or her body language. Another area of improvement I would like to make with regards to my listening skills is to stop worrying about what to say next. Instead, I should have a core arsenal of questions and reflect back what the person is saying before coming up with a response. I can always take notes if necessary.

(c) My plans for becoming a better listener include practicing with my close friends and family. I can ask them for feedback, and keep track of my improvements. I also want to volunteer, and can practice my listening skills at the charitable organization where I work.

Exercise 6.5

1. Your husband thinks you are an alcoholic? Why does he think that? How does that make you feel? You said your husband "made you come." How did he make you come here? How did that make you feel? Do you think he referred you to us because he cares about you? You say you drink a lot. Can you explain? How much do you drink? Do you drink some days more than others? Are there trigger occasions? You said he is the reason you drink. Can you explain that? Why is he the "reason" you drink? Did you drink before you met him? Perhaps you are unhappy in the relationship and are self-medicating with alcohol to avoid dealing with the problems?

2. You are worried you are going to flunk because after missing three classes, you feel really behind. Why don't you let me help you? I can spend a few hours going over what you missed. Don't be overwhelmed -- we can study together. I'm sure you would do the same for me.

3. The neighborhood you are in is wrought with violence. You lost your daughter to gang violence -- something no parent ever wants to go through. You recognize that there are broad social issues that are the root cause of the violence. Your neighbors are generally good people. What you want to see is greater community leadership and stronger overall police presence.

4. I understand you are disappointed I did not follow up on the Sanchez case. The children are indeed at risk, and I will be going over there today immediately after I complete the other cases in my docket.

5. Your concern that my personal values do not match those of the profession are based on both my comments in class and on what I have written for class assignments. Would you mind telling me specifically what your concerns may be? Perhaps I did not communicate my thoughts as clearly as I imagined, and perhaps I can explain myself better to you now in person. Thank you for letting me know.

6. Social workers often experience frustration with clients. This family seems to be unresponsive to your trying to help. Is there any way you can take a step back, perhaps put the case on hold or even transfer it to another social worker?

7. Your mommy's boyfriend is doing something wrong, and you are doing something right. It is very good of you to tell me this, and I assure you that we will help you and your mommy be happy and healthy.

8. I understand your former social workers have not worked out. After evaluating the reasons, I determined that the reason for the poor match was that the social workers you used before did not know much about the community. I have done a lot of research and put together this report for you. Please review what I have written and let me know if you might be willing to reconsider. Thank you.